The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), in partnership with The Water Council, announced today that four freshwater technology startups have been selected to participate in a first-of-its-kind Global Freshwater Seed Accelerator Program. The companies include Microbe Detectives (Madison), Vegetal i.D. (France), H2O Score (Milwaukee) and Noah Technologies (Port Washington).

The six-month accelerator program, scheduled to begin on September 2, provides each company with space in the Global Water Center located in Milwaukee, as well a $50,000 grant from WEDC to cover startup costs. Recipients will also have access to business model and operations training through the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s (UWW) Institute for Water Business, access to faculty and students with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s (UWM) School of Freshwater Sciences, mentorship from local water technology experts, and access to investment capital funding sources.

“This accelerator program creates an entirely new pathway for emerging water tech companies to secure the critical resources needed to reach proof-of concept and commercialization of advanced technologies,” said Gov. Scott Walker.

“This collaboration brings these companies with important water technology advances in the world to further development their innovation here in Wisconsin,” said Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “This collaborative investment will further demonstrate Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s reputation as a global center of excellence for water-related research and innovation development.”

The Institute for Water Business at UWW will play a major role in developing capacity in water business through education, research, and strategic collaboration. It will serve as an open space – real and virtual – for engaging, educating and empowering stakeholders to identify and successfully respond to regional, national and international water business issues, challenges, and opportunities.

“UW-Whitewater’s partnership with the Water Council’s Global Freshwater Seed Accelerator Program represents the next step in our commitment to growing Southeastern Wisconsin’s legacy as a water business innovator,” said Linda Reid, Director, Institute for Water Business at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. “This program inspires and prepares students to be world-class leaders in water entrepreneurship and technology, fosters interaction with successful role models, and facilitates supporting faculty research.”

Applications for the accelerator program were reviewed by The Water Council and a global panel of water technology professionals, investors and entrepreneur exports to assess various criteria, including the applicants’ potential for commercialization, compatibility with existing companies, and long-term interest in growing Milwaukee’s position as a leader in freshwater technology.

“Central to being a global water technology leader is to not only have world renowned businesses and universities but also having an innovative program that encourages and supports enterprising entrepreneurs such as the ones that are part of the Global Freshwater Seed Accelerator,” stated Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of The Water Council. “Working closely with our partners, we are embarking on an unparalleled program that will serve as another important milestone for Milwaukee and Wisconsin as we grow our water technology cluster.”

Startups will have access to pilot sites with UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences and Milwaukee’s sewage and water operations, plus the ability to work with international water technology leaders at the center, including A. O. Smith, Badger Meter, Grundfos Pumps, Sloan Valve and Veolia Water.

Dean Amhaus, President/CEO

Paul Jones, Co-Chair

Reed Hall, WEDC Executive Director

Linda Reid, UW-Whitewater Professor

Trevor Ghylin, Microbe Detectives

McGee Young, H2Oscore Founder

About the Winning Applicants:

Microbe Detectives
Using cutting-edge technology and comprehensive genetic databases, Microbe Detectives are able to identify and quantify nearly all bacteria in microbial communities – including water. Unlike other microbial investigative services that rely on microscopic observation, culturing or chemical analysis, Microbe Detectives utilizes DNA sequencing technology to identify bacteria and solve water problems. Currently focused toward municipal agencies, the company will work to expand to other markets. For more information, visit www.microbedetectives.com.

Vegetal i.D.
The American subsidiary of French company, Le Prieure, Vegetal i.D. is focused on the art and science of green roofs. They have created an innovative system to control runoff from green roofs with a constant and minimal flow rate. The company is focused on creating alternative solutions for storm water management, as well as increasing their presence in North America. For more information, visit www.vegetalid.us.

H2O Score
In an effort encourage informed water choices, H2O Score uses real-time electronic dashboards to connect consumers to their water usage and educate about the correlation between water usage and water supply. Beginning as collaborative learning effort from an Environmental Policy courses at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, H2O Score’s services and software are in use in several local municipalities. The company’s focus is on refining their software, as well as expanding their product reach. For more information, visit www.h2oscore.com.

Noah Technologies
Working to address the need for early warning systems for water leaks, Noah Technologies has worked to develop software that alerts home / building owners of such an occurrence. Additionally, once a leak has been detected, a coded wireless signal is sent to a receiver to close the main water valve. Noah Technologies is focused on continuing to bring unique and innovative technology to the industry.

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About The Water Council

The Water Council, the only organization of its kind in the United States, was established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders. With more than 150 water technology companies in the Milwaukee area, the region’s water industry is a $10.5 billion dollar market and accounts for four percent of the world’s total water business. The non-profit organization is linking together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and, most importantly, some of the nation’s brightest and most energetic professionals. The Water Council is capturing the attention of the world and transforming the Milwaukee region into a World Water Hub for freshwater research, economic development and education. The Water Council is located in the Global Water Center at 247 W. Freshwater Way, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI 53204.

Water Council Mission:

To align the regional fresh water research community and water-related industries to establish the Milwaukee region as the World Water Hub for water research, economic development, and education.

About the Blog

This blog is the place to be for news on The Water Council and other interesting water-related content. Stay tuned as we bring you updates on what we're doing both in Milwaukee as well as internationally.